West Roxbury

West Roxbury, located in the southwest corner of Boston, is often described as “suburban” with many wide, tree-lined streets and a feeling of a bit more space than Rozzie or JP. Over the past 20 years, its primarily single-family and two-family housing stock has seen the arrival of condominiums and a few larger multi-unit buildings, with more under construction on Weld, Centre and the VFW Parkway. West Roxbury districts include historic Brook Farm, the Highlands, Bellevue Hill and the Grove to name a few. Each has unique characteristics and some may even parallel each other in feel, such as the Highlands and Bellevue Hill, both with easy access to the Centre Street business district. With its blend of neighborhoods and housing stock, West Roxbury fits the bill for folks who want the convenience of city living with a little less hustle and bustle.

Schools

West Roxbury falls under the Boston Public School system and offers several elementary schools as well as the West Roxbury Education Complex high school, consisting of the West Roxbury Academy and the Urban Science Academy. Quality private and charter schools serve the neighborhood as well. For more information, we recommend you visit sites such as www.greatschools.org or www.education.com

Parks and Recreation

This wonderful neighborhood offers many choices for fitness fans, whether you’re up for a stroll, bike ride or dog walk. Millennium Park, a former landfill, has incredible views from its 100 acres of trails, ball fields and picnic areas – they’ve even got a designated dog park! Visit the newly constructed YMCA, with a gorgeous swimming pool and fitness facility offering recreational programs and activities for all ages as well as private instruction and child care. And don’t forget about Billings Field with its new playground and ball fields!

Commute

West Roxbury has two stops on the commuter rail, also known as the “purple line” running from Needham to South Station in downtown Boston. You will also discover multiple bus lines including several routes to Forest Hills station, Dedham, Walpole and beyond. Driving? Centre St. and West Roxbury Parkway will bring you conveniently to major routes like 128, 95 and 93 as well as easy access to Route 1.

Dining and Shopping

Centre Street is the commercial heart of West Roxbury, offering a full array of services and retail options. From the mom-and-pop style hardware store to clothing boutiques and two supermarket plazas, you couldn’t ask for greater convenience. Choose among several high-quality cafes and bakeries, such as Starbucks, Sugar and Recreo. Local cuisines include Himalayan, Thai, Chinese, BBQ and lots of excellent pizza. Popular eateries are West on Centre, a stylish restaurant & pub featuring outdoor seating and local craft brews; Phuket for “a twist on Thai”, and don’t forget the Corrib Pub, a relaxed neighborhood mainstay offering traditional Irish and American standards for many decades.

Entertainment

West Roxbury Main Streets keeps the neighborhood entertained with events throughout the year. The Irish Social Club, Elks Lodge on Morrell Street and the West Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library offer robust calendars of events to benefit local charities, celebrate local luminaries and other heroes or just to get out and spend time with friends and neighbors.